MacDONALD: Politicians should keep vets in mind as they do their jobs

Members of the Honour Guard take part in Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Grand Parade in Halifax in 2011. (TED PRITCHARD / Staff)

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BRENDA MACDONALD

EVERY TIME an election is announced, columnists and other editorialists, almost without fail, begin to write about the importance of voting.

Any argument that might have helped to persuade people to vote four years (or however long) ago is pulled out, dusted off and then regurgitated and reworded into a slightly different opinion piece.

The most frequently wielded shame-inducing argument used by columnists to boost voter turnout is, by far, the all-powerful concept of democracy.

Far too often, writers attempt to guilt readers into voting by stating that to not do so is an affront to the democratic process.

Also far too often, Remembrance Day and veterans that the day is meant to honour are dragged into the editorial fray.

When elections are held in October or November (as they often are), it is particularly difficult for writers to not comment on the links between Remembrance Day, veterans, democracy and the simple act of voting.

As such, one writer or another is bound to opine that when eligible voters don’t vote, they fail to honour all the important rights and freedoms that Canadian veterans fought, suffered and died for.

Those writers would, in my opinion, be absolutely justified in stating that opinion. They would, I feel, be right.

I went against my own, and the editorial, norm this election year.

I didn’t write about the Oct. 20 municipal election at all prior to its being held. And while I did write a column about the school board elections, it was not a pep rally-type piece meant to bolster voting, but rather a full disclosure of my choice to no longer vote in board elections.

Unfortunately, my reverse psychology during this recent election campaign had little to no effect on the public.

For the second municipal election in a row, only 37 per cent of eligible voters voted.

I consider this dismal statistic to be proof that my theory is correct; that this municipality simply cannot afford to have its collective voting focus sidetracked or diverted by other things such as school board elections. Priorities, please.

I digress.

I believe in democracy — yes, I believe in voting — absolutely.

I also believe that it can’t hurt for columnists, who have a unique opportunity to reach citizens, to go out of their way and use whatever ammunition is needed to try to impress upon voters the importance of these two important symbols of freedom.

What is good for the voters, however, is good for those who fight for and receive votes.

With all of the political scandal and disappointment that voters have had to deal with in recent years, it certainly can’t hurt for our candidates and politicians to be given a refresher. It is also only fair that they be targeted with the same hard-hitting ammunition.

So, to all politicians who may read this — those elected and those who hope to be elected — I say this:

Please think of the living veterans you stood beside, watched and/or spoke to on Remembrance Day.

Recall their pride and honour.

And then think about all the veterans who have died to secure the democracy you represent today.

Reflect upon their integrity, honesty and selflessness.

And then simply do your best to be like them.

For if you want to improve and increase voter turnout — in this country, this province, this municipality — then you must not only give people a reason to vote, but also be someone worth voting for.